Colmar, France 4K Walking Tour | A Fairytale Town You Must Visit | Alsace region |

Colmar, France 4K Walking Tour | A Fairytale Town You Must Visit | Alsace region |

Welcome to Colmar, France — one of the most enchanting towns in Europe, often described as a real-life fairytale. Nestled in the heart of the Alsace region in northeastern France, near the borders with Germany and Switzerland, Colmar is known for its colorful half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and charming canals. Colmar’s architecture is a beautiful blend of Germanic and French influences, reflecting its unique history. The town changed hands several times between France and Germany over the centuries, and this cultural mix is still visible in its buildings, food, and traditions. Colmar’s roots go back over 1,000 years. It was first mentioned in 823 AD and became a free imperial city of the Holy Roman Empire in the 13th century. During World War II, it was the last French city to be liberated in 1945 — an event remembered as “The Colmar Pocket.” This is La Maison Zimmerlin – built in 1540, as shown by Roman numerals above the door. In 1930, a unique wrought-iron sign, designed by Hansi, was added above the door. It’s a beautiful example of Alsatian architecture. Once a famous charcuterie, now home to a tea shop and guest apartments. Colmar’s architectural style dates back to the 14th–18th centuries. The wooden beams form a visible frame, and the spaces in between are filled with brick, clay, straw, or even animal hair mixed with plaster. Why this style? It was practical — wood was cheap and easy to use locally, and the walls could flex with the structure. The technique also made it easier to rebuild parts of the house after fires, which were common in medieval towns. The colors weren’t just decorative. Different colors showed the wealth or profession of the owners, or helped identify houses before street numbers existed. The Watering Can House – famous for the large, decorative watering cans hanging on its facade. The watering can symbol often represented a gardener or someone involved in horticulture who once lived or worked there. Most of these houses were built by artisans, merchants, and wine traders — Colmar was a busy center of wine commerce. Some buildings still have carvings or emblems showing tools, grapes, or religious symbols. Half-timbered houses are also designed to breathe — helping control moisture in the walls. Upper floors of the houses often stick out above the street — this design saved tax money. People were taxed based on the footprint of the ground floor. La Maison des Têtes or The House of 100 Heads is one of Colmar’s most famous Renaissance buildings. It’s located at 19 Rue des Marchands, in the heart of the old town. Built in 1609 by a wealthy merchant named Anton Burger. The façade is decorated with about 100 small sculpted faces, or “heads,” which give the house its name. These heads include humans, animals, and mythological figures. The building shows off beautiful Renaissance architectural details and ornate carvings. Over the years, it has served as a merchant’s house, a hotel, and now hosts offices and shops. Rue des Marchands, meaning “Merchants Street”, dates back to medieval times. It was once the bustling heart of Colmar’s trade, lined with merchants’ houses and shops. Rue des Marchands is also home to the Musee Bartholdi, birthplace of the Statue of Liberty’s sculpture. On the left, the Hansi Museum – dedicated to Jean -Jacques Waltz, known as Hansi. He was a beloved Alsatian artist and illustrator known for charming village scenes. The Unterlinden Museum is one of the most important museums in Alsace. It’s housed in a former 13th – century monastery and features the famous Isenheim Altarpiece. The public well in Place des Dominicans dates from 1584 and was rebuilt as a replica in 1988. Its facade is decorated with a carved double-headed eagle, reflecting Colmar’s historic heritage. Colmar is famous for its canals running through the district called La Petite Venise or “Little Venice”. These waterways were once vital for transporting goods like wine and fresh produce. Today, the canals add to the town’s charm, with colorful houses and flowers lining the banks. Eglise Saint-Martin – Roman catholic church. Storks are a cherished symbol of Alsace, seen as bringers of luck, fertility, and new beginnings. Locals often build special platforms on rooftops and chimneys to invite them to stay. In Colmar, it’s common to spot storks nesting on buildings – especially in spring and summer. The Koïfhus, built in 1480, is one of Colmar’s oldest and most iconic public buildings. It once served as both a goods tax warehouse on the ground floor and a meeting hall for the Décapole, the federation of 10 imperial cities of Alsace. The Pfister House was built in 1537 for a wealthy hatter named Ludwig Scherer. It’s one of Colmar’s first Renaissance-style homes. Its facade is covered with colorful murals of emperors, biblical scenes, and virtues. With a wooden gallery and octagonal turret, this house quickly became a city landmark. The house was restored by the Pfister family in the 19th century. It’s now a house to a charming wine store. Inside the store, on the ground floor, you’ll see exposed wooden beams above – part of the house’s original 16th – century framework. Colmar has a deep-rooted Christmas tradition, dating back to the Middle Ages. The city celebrates Advent with festive markets and decorated shops, just like it did centuries ago. Alsace is known as the birthplace of many Christmas customs – including the Christmas tree. That’s why you’ll find so many Christmas shops here, open even outside the holiday season. This is the Bartholdi Museum in Colmar, located in the house where Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi was born. He’s the sculptor behind the Statue of Liberty. In the courtyard, there’s a bronze statue called “The Great Supports of the World.” It shows three women holding up the globe—representing Justice, Labor, and the Motherland. Inside the museum, you’ll find models, sketches, and personal items from Bartholdi’s life and work. Bartholdi often celebrated heroic themes like patriotism and strength in his art. This is Eglise Saint-Martin church. We have already passed it by earlier today. It was built in 13th century in a mix of Gothic and Romanesque styles. Local sometimes call it the “Colmar Cathedral”. The Cour du Weinhof is a historic building with origins in the 14th century, originally serving as a granary for the Unterlinden monastery. Today, it’s a charming bed and breakfast, offering guests a chance to experience a piece of Colmar’s rich history. In Colmar, you’ll find many little tunnel-like entrances that connect courtyards or backyards to the street. They feel like hidden passageways you can sneak through. Colmar has plenty of souvenir shops with stork-themed gifts. L’entre-pot – a beautiful flower shop and cafe. When you are in Comar – or anywhere in France – make sure to try a chocolate croissant “pain au chocolat”. They are delicious. This is the Roesselmann Fountain, created by Bartholdi in 1888 to honor Jean Roesselmann, a local hero who defended Colmar’s freedom. The bronze statue stands on a white stone base with fish and chimera spouting water, beautifully lit in a lively square. La Petitte Venise is part of the Krutenau district, extending roughly from the Covered Market to the Saint-Pierre bridge along the Lauch River. The canals are lined up with colorful half-timbered houses, dating between the 14th and 18th centuries. This bridge (Rue Turenne) is a popular romantic spot where couples attach padlocks to the railings as a symbol of their love. Rue de la Poissonnerie, also known as part of the Fishmongers’ District, links Rue Turenne to Quai de la Poissonnerie in the center of Colmar. It lies within Colmar’s historic core, near the Covered Market, and serves as a transition between the Tanners’ Quarter and La Petite Venise. In medieval times, it was home to the city’s fishermen and boatmen for selling fresh catch and transporting produce by boat; the fish were stored in ponds along the street. Along the street, look down—you’ll spot small iron plaques with the Statue of Liberty. They mark key points in Colmar linked to Bartholdi, its famous sculptor. This is Bord’eau, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Colmar. It’s located at 17 Rue de la Poissonnerie, in the heart of Little Venice. The building’s exterior is painted in a trompe-l’œil style — creating the illusion of depth and detail. Inside, it’s elegant and contemporary, with views of the canal. The chef, Jean-Yves Schillinger, combines Alsatian ingredients with Asian flavors. Some signature dishes include yuzu vegetable maki, snail fritters, and saffron seafood. This is Colmar’s Covered Market, built in 1865 and still full of local charm. Inside, you’ll find regional products—from cheese and wine to fresh fruit, pastries and flowers. It’s a great spot to taste authentic Alsatian flavors or grab a bite on the go. The market sits right by the canal, making it both scenic and central. Pont Rue des Écoles is a picturesque bridge that serves as a vital link between Quai de la Poissonnerie and the rest of Colmar. It offers an enchanting view of the colorful half-timbered houses that line the canal. From here, you can often see traditional flat-bottomed boats gently gliding below. It’s one of the best photo spots in the Little Venice district. This is Brasserie des Tanneurs, located at 12 Rue des Tanneurs. The facade is richly decorated with bicycles, metal hearts, and bird sculptures in addition to flowers. It sits in the historic Tanners’ Quarter, once home to leather workers. Inside, the atmosphere is cozy and traditional, with wood paneling and Alsatian charm. The brasserie serves classic local dishes like choucroute, flammekueche, and baeckeoffe. The Schwendi Fountain – created by Bartholdi in 1898 and features a statue of Lazarus von Schwendi holding a grapevine, symbolizing his role in bringing Tokay vines to Alsace and honoring the region’s wine heritage. An interesting fact – the village in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast was inspired by towns in the Alsace – and Colmar is one of the strongest visual influences. The film’s artists referenced its timbered houses, steep rooftops, colorful shutters, and flower-filled balconies. Belle’s town in the movie, with winding cobblestone streets, fountains, bakeries and markets, mirrors real-life Colmar almost exactly. Au Chasseur – French restaurant, specifically known for its Alsatian cuisine. Thanks for being here! Feel free to like, comment, and subscribe for more!

Colmar, France 4K Walking Tour | A Fairytale Town You Must Visit | Alsace region | Кольмар, регион Эльзас, Франция 👉 https://youtu.be/8gp99UzbJZM

📥 FREE Travel Guide (PDF)

👉 Download my free Colmar Travel Guide here: [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f9PqnqkjEXCs71LQPqZiRVBzdvAUjH0r/view?usp=drivesdk]

🚶‍♂️📸 Take a peaceful walking tour through the charming streets of Colmar, one of the most beautiful towns in the Alsace region of France. Known for its colorful half-timbered houses, flower-lined canals, and medieval architecture, Colmar looks like it came straight out of a storybook. ✨

This video is perfect if you’re planning to visit Colmar, want a virtual travel experience, or simply enjoy relaxing walking tours in France. Whether you’re looking for things to do in Colmar, beautiful European towns to explore, or hidden gems in Alsace, this is the video for you!

📍 Location: Colmar, Alsace region, France
🎥 Type: 4K walking tour / city walk / no narration / travel ambience
🗓️ Filmed in: May, 2025
☀️Weather: 22°C / 71°F
❗Feel free to turn on subtitles in your native language (CC)

👀What you’ll see:
🏠 Maison Pfister – An iconic Renaissance house with wood carvings and murals
🏛️ Maison des Têtes (House of Heads) – A 17th-century facade with over 100 sculpted faces
🏰 Koïfhus (Old Customs House) – Colmar’s oldest public building from the 15th century
🎨 Hansi House – A tribute to Alsatian culture and the beloved artist “Hansi”
🌉 Petite Venise (Little Venice) – Romantic canals and postcard views
⛪ Église Saint-Martin – A majestic Gothic church in the heart of the old town
🖼️ Unterlinden Museum (nearby) – Home of the famous Isenheim Altarpiece

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💬 Comment below if Colmar is now on your travel list! ✈️

💡 Did you know Colmar inspired the village in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast? 🏰
💡Did you know the creator of the Statue of Liberty, Bartholdi, was born in Colmar? 🗽

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